You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 412

"As I suppose you are aware of, some encounters I have had with your offspring, Duke Sylfinnier. Today, I am here because, of these few I have experienced... Yesterday’s is one I believe the Duke should learn about for by casualty what I witnessed cannot be left ignored. Neither by yourself... nor the Empire itself."

The mention of the Empire lifted Orland’s brow lightly. Within the investigation he had placed two of his children under, suspicious letters had been exchanged with one he knew resided in the royal palace itself... nonetheless, whom and with what intentions... it became a mystery his watch could not decipher, for the one letter they had intercepted being exchanged was later discovered as a decoy... Of this fact, Orland doubted was learned by Paul, for if aware, during the many days he had deprived the son from meeting his eldest daughter on many occasions Paul would have given a hint about this to his experienced father’s eye.

’Many times I prodded his patience... his inestability was apparent and yet...’

— Is there a problem? —

—... When are you to send letters, your Grace? —

— Why? Who do you need to contact? —

— Who?... Are you truly asking me that... father? —

’... Even at that time, it was apparent in his eyes that I knew the answer was to Marianne... Never did he feel alluded to the fact I referred to someone else...’

— None I send to her personally is ever replied to! I am certain they get to the palace... If you are who sends it, I’m sure she’ll answer!! —

’Sigh... were he suspicious of us interfering he wouldn’t have come to me for aid in that matter... He’s careless even...’ — Orland thought later after listening to many things and letting the exhaustion settle down so sanity would not fail him. — ’Was he more clever he would not have let out that he has ways to learn his letters did arrive at the Palace...’

Nevertheless, the words of the new Duke Noverrne were to make Orland contemplate in more profound and serious circumstances besides these little hidden matters.

"While I was dedicating myself to gathering an honourable hunt to win the Ninth’s prize, during the first day of the hunt, a short yet direct encounter I came to have with your son, Paul Khan Sylfinnier."

"... He did tell me he met a noble. Although not who."

"Truthfully, if you allow myself to say, it is comprehensible that my name was not told. Your son probably finds myself unpleasant. There was this time at a Season Ball we assisted in which I purposely stood in his way, after all, my Lord."

"... Is that so?" — Already aware of the encounter Clemente referred to, Orland said with a tone that demonstrated ignorance, while his mannerism conveyed an awareness of something he wanted to listen to from the man himself.

Clemente Noverrne, however, in his clever politeness, did notice Orland’s vast knowledge on what he thought was ignored, growing his admiration for the Duke of Sylfinnier, for no less did the Young Duke expect of the man even his rigorous parents recognised. Therefore, following the lead Orland had granted, Clemente continued naturally, telling the experiences he believed should be unveiled.

"Yes. This occurred in the last Ball, the Summer Ball. There was a scene I took notice of perchance. One where yourself, the crown prince and Lady Marianne became separated... one where I could discern roughly, that the crown prince was to leave with the lady under your instructions, for right after his Grace’s skill meant for the battlefield was placed on an innocent crowd... Which if not for I had seen it beforehand, I would have also been deceived by."

"Yet you didn’t."

"... I did not... And your heir did not fall as well."

"..."

"In my ignorance and the determination yourself must have had to use such abilities at such a delicate occasion, I decided to hinder the little duke’s intention to follow the crown prince and the Lady... And of course, he did not find pleasure in it."

"... Did he show disrespect?"

"... It is fortunate both of us did not have weapons near if I shall be honest with Your Grace."

’... I knew it. Yet this child is thoughtful while talking.’ — Orland thought within the allowed pause Clemente took before continuing. Aware that a brawl almost commenced between them if not because some noblemen murmured to themselves with curiosity about the son of the admired Sylfinnier Duke raising his voice to one as respectable. — ’Francois told me about this already... Paul’s manners were none while dealing with this man and yet he conveys it like this...’

"Nevertheless, from then on, small if none interactions have been shared with your Grace’s heir. Simple greetings have been mostly what followed... this differed slightly on the first day of the hunt, however."

"Hm. Now, this doesn’t sound like a good encounter."

"... If I am to define it... Yes, it was not pleasant to experience... Mentioning my hunt as he casually crossed my path along with his greeting, was something that came as one would expect from any other. Polite desires for a fruitful hunt was given by myself to your son as it is accustomed... Yet apparently it was not welcomed."

"What did he do." — Orland inquired while trying to control the displeasure from being demonstrated in his demeanour. These scenes the young man was telling had not been reported to him by those Orland had placed on his son to watch... and meant there were more matters hindering the information he was trying to gather about his disturbed one’s doings.

"... I was questioned about why was I eager to gather a great hunt. He persisted in learning unexistent reasons... If it was for reasons involving his sister, lady Marianne... mentioning how it would make sense after I had interfered with their meeting during the Summer Ball... as well as questioning my interest in knowing how she has been faring after receiving her distinctive Title."

"..."

"... I had to lift my weapon, Duke Sylfinnier."

"!? What?"

"Yes... For after telling him I was interested in learning about it for I believe Lady Marianne is one I would not regret getting along with given her admirable yet unique character, his sword did not doubt the attack I stopped timely."